Trunk

Object number95.26.4

Manufacturer The Belber Trunk and Bag Company

Datec. 1922

Mediummetal, leather, wood

Credit LineGift of Angela Pasquale

DescriptionBlack trunk that converts into wardrobe when opened and standing upright. Inside has eight hangers and space to hang clothing; fold-out ironing board; five (5) drawers on right side, one drawer on left; and one clothes drying board.Dimensions22 x 22 x 40 in. (55.9 x 55.9 x 101.6 cm)
MarksFront side of trunk has metal plate in top proper right area with painted text "Belber / WARDROBE TRUNK".

Proper right side of trunk has metal plate with text including "PATENTS OWNED AND CONTROLLED BY / THE BELBER TRUNK AND BAG CO. / PATENTED DEC. 19, 1911 NO. 1,012,354 / [additional patent dates and numbers] / PATENTED DEC. 26, 1922 " 1,440,146 / OTHER PATENTS PENDING. / MADE IN U. S. A."

Interior has text on proper left side near top "PATENTED / APRIL 19, 1921".
Historical NotesUsed by three generations of the Fortunato family of Nusco, Italy. Angela Pasquale, who resides in Beechview, donated the trunk. She was the last member of the family to use it in the 1950s when she immigrated here.Label TextTwo generations of Italian immigrants to Western Pennsylvania used this trunk in their travels between the Old World and the New. Angelo Cavaliere, an Italian immigrant who worked building the Pennsylvania Railroad in the 1920s, brought this trunk back to Italy when he returned to his native country. His son saved the trunk and used it when he immigrated to Western Pennsylvania years later

Previous owner Angelo Cavaliere

Previous owner Angela Pasquale

Previous owner Fortunato Cavaliere

Previous owner Rosa Cavaliere

Related institution Pennsylvania Railroad

Related person Grazia Cavaliere

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